lower class
Loading your saved state.
lower class
The social group in a society with the lowest income, level of education, and social status. The term is used in sociology, but in everyday language it can be perceived as derogatory.
Eine neue Studie untersucht die Lebensbedingungen der städtischen Unterschicht.
A new study examines the living conditions of the urban lower class.
The word is made up of 'unter-' (lower/under) and 'die Schicht' (class/stratum/layer). It literally describes the lowest social class or level of a society.
Soziologen analysieren die Verteilung von Wohlstand in Ober-, Mittel- und Unterschicht.
Sociologists analyze the distribution of wealth among the upper, middle, and lower classes.
Although it is a sociological technical term, the word 'Unterschicht' (lower class) can be perceived as derogatory and hurtful in everyday language. It should be used with caution.
Die öffentliche Debatte über die sogenannte Unterschicht ist oft von Vorurteilen geprägt.
The public debate about the so-called lower class is often shaped by prejudice.
The word is often used in connection with sociological topics, such as 'Angehörige der Unterschicht' (members of the lower class), 'aus der Unterschicht stammen' (to come from the lower class), or 'zur Unterschicht zählen' (to be counted as part of the lower class).
Die Studie befasst sich mit den Aufstiegschancen von Kindern aus der Unterschicht.
The study deals with the upward mobility opportunities of children from the lower class.
proletariat
Both words can refer to the least socially advantaged group. Unterschicht mainly describes its social position, such as income and status, and can sound derogatory. Proletariat focuses more strongly on the working class and its relationship to work and the means of production.
Die Studie untersucht, wie Menschen aus der Unterschicht Zugang zu Bildung finden.
The study examines how people from the lower class gain access to education.
Im Roman kämpft das Proletariat für bessere Arbeitsbedingungen.
In the novel, the proletariat fights for better working conditions.
